Power wheel



V 1 2 March 8.1927. A. J. LARKN ,6 0,363- I POWER WHEELS Filed June 22, 1926 a I. i I it 1 i I I: I

anwnto Patented Mar. 8, 1927.

UNITED- anrnun J. panxrn, or couNoIL BLUFES, IOWA ASSIGNOR a i F one-rams o. JOSEPH.

rowan WHEEL.

Application fi1ed June 22, 1926. Serial No. 117,844.

This invention relates to a power wheel and it is an object of the invention to provide a device of this kind whereby pull may be effected upon a flexible member, such as a cable, for pulling automobiles out of a ditch or the like and in connection with other operations requiring a pull or lift not in excess of five thousand pounds.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my 1mproved power wheel whereby certain important adyantagesare attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will behereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is a view in top plan illustrating a power wheel constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a detailed sectional view taken 30 substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary View in edge elevation of a portion of the wheel as herein disclosed.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawing, 1 denotes an axle or drum of requisite dimensions and which has fixed to its extremities the wheels 2 of relatively large but equal radii. These wheels 2 are spaced apart one with respect to the other and each of said Wheels at its peripheral portion is provided with a series of laterally disposed and outstanding projections 8. These projections or fingers are preferably equidistantly spaced in a direction circumferential of the wheel.

To each end portionof the axle or drum 1 outwardly of the adjacent wheel 2 is freely engaged, as at 4:, an end portion of an elongated lever 5 such lever, when pull is imposed thereupon, being adapted to engage an outstanding projection or finger 3 to effect desired rotation of the axle 1. The axle or drum 1 midway between the applied wheels 2 has disposed radially therethrough an opening 6 through which is adapted to pass a cable or kindred flexible member 7 so that as the axle or drum 1 is rotated a double windingof the. cable, or member 7 on the axle or drum 1 will be effected and thus materi ally increasing the action of the power wheel.

.In practice, one end of the. cable-0r mem ber is secured to a suitable anchor while the opposite end is afiixed to the element to be lifted or pulled. As the axle or. drum 1 is ause o e ai s nder t a n f t e e-( vers 5 the resultant winding of the intermediate portion of the cable or member 7 upon the axle or drum 1 will result in the desired pull upon the element.

One of the wheels 2 in close proximity to its periphery has pivotally connected thereth as at 7 an end por i n f an rm at a length to bridge the space between the wheels 2 and which normally has direct contact with a spoke 10 comprised in each of the wheels 2. This arm 9 is normally maintained in such position under the influence of a spring 11 having an intermediate portion coiled about the pivot 8 for the arm 9 and having its extremities coacting with the associated wheel 2 and arm 9 in a well known manner.

As the axle or drum 1 is rotated in one direction, the arm 9 will readily move or swing away from the adjacent spokes 10 to pass the cable or member 7 but just as soon as the arm 9 goes from one side to the other of the cable or member 7 it will automatically return to its normal position and provide means to hold the axle or drum 1 against retrograde or reverse rotation. This is accomplished by contact of the arm 9 with the cable or member 7 as is indicated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawing.

It will also be understood that when the power wheel is in operation and as the intermediate portion of the cable or member 7 is wound upon the axle or drum 1, the wheel will be free of the ground or other surface, thus facilitating its operation.

In the accompanying drawing I have only illustrated the use of one of the arms 9 but it is to be understood that as many more may be used as the requirements of practice may deem best.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a power wheel constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification Without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim 1. A device of the class described comprising an axle, spaced wheels fixed thereto, a flexible member having an intermediate portion fixed to the axle between the wheels to cfi'ect a double winding of the member on the axle when rotated, means for rotating the wheels and axle, an arm pivotally engaged with one of the wheels and normally bridging the space therebetween, and means for maintaining the arm in such position.

2. A device of the class described comprising an axle, spaced wheels fixed thereto, a flexible member having an intermediate portion fixed to the axle between the wheels to efiect a double winding of the member on the axle when rotated, means for rotating the wheels and axle, and means carried by one of the wheels and engageable with the second wheel for co-action with the flexible member, during a working operation, to hold the wheels and axle against retrograde rotation.

3. A device of the class described comprising an axle, spaced wheels fixed thereto, a flexible member having an intermediate portion fixed to the axle between the wheels to effect av double winding of the member on the axle when rotated, outstanding projections carried by the peripheral portions of the wheels, levers freely engaged with the extremities of the axle and adapted to have contact with the projections, an arm PiVOtfll- 1y engaged with one of the wheels and normally bridging the space between the wheels, and means for normally maintaining the arm in such position, the wheels having parts with which the arm contacts when in its normal position to hold the arm against swinging movement in one direction.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

ARTHUR J. LARKIN. 

